12 midday 13 January 2024
Cheltenham League, Division One
Cheltenham United 2 Bishops Cleeve B 2 (att 6)
My first experience of the Cheltenham League. I'd been tempted by this lunchtime kick off, along with a late afternoon fixture and the chance to squeeze another game in between the two.
There was a delayed start, presumably caused by the lack of a referee. The teams sensibly agreed that each would provide someone to officiate, with the home side in charge of the first half and Bishops Cleeve the second. Ultimately that decision proved decisive.
Based on the league table I'd expected promotion-chasing Cheltenham United to win comfortably. They started well and it was no surprise when they took a deserved lead.
But they failed to build on advantage, allowing the visitors to grow into the game, They equalised before half time and then shocked the hosts by going in front in the second half.
They defended well before the home side's pressure finally paid off with an equaliser eight minutes from time. That looked to have set up an exciting finish, with Cheltenham seemingly odds on to get a late winner.
But their hopes were thwarted when the second half referee - the Bishops Cleeve manager - blew for full time. According to my watch there were still five minutes left to play.
I had another game to get to a 2pm, and after the late start I wasn't complaining about the early finish. But Cheltenham United were complaining, and with good reason.
Despite their name, Cheltenham United play in Tewkesbury. Their home ground is a 3G pitch at the town's school-cum-sports centre. It's a typical set up, but plus points are a pair a dugouts and recesses that allow spare goals to be stored away from the touchline. Spectators were allowed to roam inside the surrounding fence.
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